The 2006 RGS wines
General observations:
The 2006 RGS reds are on wood and developing beautifully.
They will be bottled at Bleasdale in early February in time for the distribution day on Sunday February 11th. This year we've selected a Shiraz and a Cabernet.
The list also includes the very good 2005 Adze Malbec and crisp 2006 Verdelho.
The three reds sit comfortably in the $15.00 - $20.00 quality range and we are getting them for less than $8.00 a bottle!
Some suspect that global warming and the increased amounts of CO2 in the atmosphere is leading to faster grape ripening, increasing sugar content and as a result, producing higher alcohol wines from shorter vintages.
We might run that idea past Al Gore.
Tasting Notes <click the bottles for a close up of the label>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 Cross Cut Cabernet Sauvignon
Another above average Cabernet year for Langhorne Creek. Herbaceous, leafy green and good for up to seven years at 14.5% alc/vol.
It's better than the 2004 but not as outstanding as the 2002 and 2005 vintages.
You'll really enjoy the mint and herbs on the nose and the length of the wine on the palate.
It continues the good run cabernet is enjoying in the Langhorne Creek region.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 Grower Shiraz
Spicy and silky smooth, dark, solid, plenty of pepper and approachable with an unctious palate weight.
A good Aussie Shiraz from an above average Shiraz vintage at the Creek - it also weighs in at 14.5% alcohol.
The wine will continue to improve under good cellaring conditions until 2012 - not that most of you will keep it long enough to ever find that out!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2005 Adze Malbec
The 2005 is a strongly fruit driven, solid, flavorsome wine with good deep colour.
It's bigger than the 2004 vintage and the concentration of flavour comes from a 2 tonne / acre vintage. Great for us - not so good for the grower!
It weighs in at 14% alcohol and it will drink well now to 2010 and beyond.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2006 Verdelho
Another good year for this variety.
If you're an ABC drinker (Anything But Chardonnay), you'll enjoy the tropical fruit salad with excellent depth of peach, melon and ripe pineapple flavours, combined with balanced acidity.
Drink it now, drink it chilled and drink it often we say.
It's 14.2% alcohol and a great summer drop - order it right now.